On the steep Opyš hill at Prague Castle, in places that still smell of earth and history, ancient legends say Prince Wenceslas himself had his vineyard. He was no ordinary ruler—he cultivated the vines with his own hand, chopped wood, and baked hosts, which he then delivered to Prague churches under the cover of night. By his side stood his loyal companion Podiven, who helped him with the hardest tasks. One of the most beautiful legends about this holy monarch tells of a cruel winter night when both were carrying hosts to the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian.

The frost was so scorching that even the hardened Podiven began to wail and complain that his feet were freezing in the deep snow. Wenceslas, whose heart was full of divine love, looked back at him kindly and said, “Place your feet directly into my footsteps and you shall feel no cold.” Podiven obeyed, and a miracle occurred, celebrated even in the famous English carol “Good King Wenceslas.” As soon as Podiven’s foot touched his master’s track, he felt heat as if stepping on a glowing ember, and the frost was gone. Thus, even in the snow, Saint Wenceslas left a footprint of hope and warming kindness, reminding us to this day that the world’s cold can be overcome by deeds flowing from a pure heart.